Robert Downey Jr.

Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times

Robert Downey Jr., left, with director Shane Black, netted a supporting actor nomination in 2009 for "Tropic Thunder," but was bested by Heath Ledger in "The Dark Knight." Downey was also nominated for a lead actor Oscar in 1993 for "Chaplin," but lost to Al Pacino in "Scent of a Woman."

Robert Downey Jr., left, with director Shane Black, netted a supporting actor nomination in 2009 for "Tropic Thunder," but was bested by Heath Ledger in "The Dark Knight." Downey was also nominated for a lead actor Oscar in 1993 for "Chaplin," but lost to Al Pacino in "Scent of a Woman." (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)

Robert Downey Jr., left, with director Shane Black, netted a supporting actor nomination in 2009 for "Tropic Thunder," but was bested by Heath Ledger in "The Dark Knight." Downey was also nominated for a lead actor Oscar in 1993 for "Chaplin," but lost to Al Pacino in "Scent of a Woman."